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Cheap flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns from $120

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 4/10. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
MEL — CNS
1 Sep — 8 Sep1
1 adult

Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from Melbourne to Cairns are usually found in March or February, booked 69 days in advance, depart on a Tuesday or Wednesday and return on a Thursday

Cheap flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS). Learn about various techniques such as flexible date searches, comparing prices across and setting up price alerts. Use these methods to find the cheapest flights available for your travel needs. Data last updated 27 August 2025.

Round-trip from

$236

One-way from

$120

Popular in

September

Cheapest in

March

Average price

$345

Good round-trip deal

$269 or less

Good one-way deal

$177 or less
Jetstar
  • Jetstar
  • 6/9-8/9
  • Nonstop
  • 6h 45m total
  • Melbourne to Cairns
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Jetstar
  • Jetstar
  • 4/10
  • Nonstop
  • 3h 20m total
  • Melbourne to Cairns
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Highest demand for flights based on searches. 12% potential increase in price ($75 potential increase over avg. return price).
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Cheapest flight prices on average. 2% potential price decrease ($16 potential savings vs. average return price).
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Average for round-trip flights in August 2025
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Price to beat on a round-trip flight from Melbourne to Cairns.
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Price to beat on a one-way flight from Melbourne to Cairns.
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Find flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns

Cheapest flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Melbourne to Cairns. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on 27 August 2025.

Sat 30/819:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Wed 3/919:50CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 30mJetstar
Deal found 25/8$236
Mon 8/919:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Thu 11/919:50CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 30mJetstar
Deal found 24/8$237
Fri 5/919:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Tue 9/907:00CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 30mJetstar
Deal found 25/8$239
Mon 1/919:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Mon 8/921:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 25/8$240
Sat 30/819:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Thu 4/921:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 25/8$242
Mon 8/919:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Sun 14/921:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 25/8$247
Mon 1/1206:15MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Thu 4/1219:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 26/8$248
Thu 9/1020:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Thu 16/1020:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 25/8$250
Sat 4/1019:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Mon 13/1020:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 26/8$253

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customise your flight search to find flights from Melbourne to Cairns that fit within your specific budget. Explore options based on user searches and filter the results based on your desired price range. Find flights that match your budget for a cost-effective journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 647,157 searches. Data last updated 27 August 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns that are best for you.

Fly from

Melbourne

Fly to

Cairns

Route

Depart

Return

Price

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Mon 8/9

17:20-20:40

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Fri 12/9

21:30-00:55

Nonstop3h 25m

$236

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Wed 12/11

19:45-22:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Wed 19/11

18:30-22:55

Nonstop3h 25m

$236

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Sat 6/9

19:45-23:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Mon 8/9

21:30-00:55

Nonstop3h 25m

$236

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Thu 9/10

20:45-23:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Mon 13/10

20:30-00:55

Nonstop3h 25m

$236

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Fri 17/10

20:45-23:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Fri 24/10

20:30-00:55

Nonstop3h 25m

$236

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Wed 10/9

19:45-23:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Sat 13/9

21:30-00:55

Nonstop3h 25m

$236

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Sun 7/9

17:20-20:40

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Thu 11/9

19:50-23:20

Nonstop3h 30m

$237

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Thu 16/10

20:45-23:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Fri 24/10

20:30-00:55

Nonstop3h 25m

$237

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Tue 14/10

20:45-23:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Mon 20/10

20:30-00:55

Nonstop3h 25m

$237

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Tue 9/9

17:20-20:40

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Sat 13/9

21:30-00:55

Nonstop3h 25m

$237

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Deals found on 26/8

Showing 1-10 of 22 results
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Best time to book a flight from Melbourne to Cairns

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Cairns from Melbourne with our price prediction graph.
Estimated return price
Rates are based on past data. Find the cheapest month and day to book your flight based on your travel requirements, then search for cheap deals.

Cheapflights Insights

Everything you need to know about your flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns

How far ahead should I book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a return flight from Melbourne to Cairns. Price data was last updated on 22 August 2025.

To ensure you get the cheapest price possible for a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns, you should look to book at least 69 days in advance of your intended travel date. The price of your flight may increase if you delay and leave booking until a week or so before departure.

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

Currently, March is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns (average of $166). Flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns in October is currently the most expensive (average of $233). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly from MEL to CNS?

Find hourly flight availability from Melbourne to Cairns. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated 27 August 2025.

Unlike at midday, when flights are generally more expensive, you can save up to 40% on flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns by exploring options for tickets in the evening.

What is the cheapest day to fly from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

Use this chart to determine the cheapest time to fly return from Melbourne to Cairns. Price data was last updated on 24 August 2025.

Travellers seeking maximum savings on their Melbourne Airport to Cairns flight should consider departing on Wednesday afternoons when fares are most often at their lowest. Tuesday at midday flights should be avoided if possible as fares are typically the most expensive at this time.

Reviews of airlines servicing Cairns

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Cairns. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to Cairns. Reviews last updated 27 August 2025.
Read reviews from past customers who have flown with Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia, andJetstar from Melbourne Airport to Cairns. Users can see the overall rating for each airline as well as how each is rated in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
905 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

7.5

Crew

8.2

Entertainment

7.2

Food

6.9

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.5

Reviews

1 / 20
2.0
Mediocre

Anonymous,July 2025

MEL - SYD

Flight cancelled 2hours before take off after checking in. Booked by airline on flight 6 hours later. No compensation or vouchers till we asked just before the flight took off.
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
905 reviews
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
905 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

7.5

Crew

8.2

Entertainment

7.2

Food

6.9

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.5

Reviews

1 / 20
2.0
Mediocre

Anonymous,July 2025

MEL - SYD

Flight cancelled 2hours before take off after checking in. Booked by airline on flight 6 hours later. No compensation or vouchers till we asked just before the flight took off.
Virgin Australia
7.5
Good
415 reviews
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
905 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

7.5

Crew

8.2

Entertainment

7.2

Food

6.9

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.5

Reviews

1 / 20
2.0
Mediocre

Anonymous,July 2025

MEL - SYD

Flight cancelled 2hours before take off after checking in. Booked by airline on flight 6 hours later. No compensation or vouchers till we asked just before the flight took off.
Jetstar
6.5
Okay
468 reviews
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
905 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

7.5

Crew

8.2

Entertainment

7.2

Food

6.9

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.5

Reviews

1 / 20
2.0
Mediocre

Anonymous,July 2025

MEL - SYD

Flight cancelled 2hours before take off after checking in. Booked by airline on flight 6 hours later. No compensation or vouchers till we asked just before the flight took off.

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Melbourne to Cairns. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.

  • What airport do you fly into for flights to Cairns from Melbourne?

    If you book a flight to Cairns from Melbourne, you will be flying to Cairns, which is the city’s only airport. Cairns (CNS) is located 4.4 km from the centre of Cairns. There are 18 flights from Melbourne to Cairns per day from 3 different airlines.

  • How long is the flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

    Airlines like Jetstar fly from Melbourne Airport to Cairns in about 3h 20m. The time it takes to get you to your destination is usually consistent. The distance between Melbourne Airport and Cairns is about 2311 km. Most flights are nonstop.

  • What are the cheapest airlines flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns round-trip?

    Our cheapest airline available from Melbourne Airport to Cairns is Jetstar. Our recent data shows that you can find tickets from as low as $186 on this airline. Additional options worth looking into are Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways, starting at $218 and $283 round-trip. Jetstar is priced at 46% lower than the current average price of a flight leaving 3 months from now.

  • What are the most reliable airlines from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

    The top 3 most reliable airlines when flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns are Emirates (93%), Air New Zealand (93%) and Cathay Pacific (92%).

  • What are the cheapest flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

    On average you can expect to pay $724 for a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns. The cheapest flight overall is $112 while the most popular route, (Melbourne - Cairns) is currently priced at $231.

  • Where are the most common stopover locations when flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

    Melbourne Airport to Cairns flights have a stopover in Sydney most often.

  • What are some popular things to do or see while on a stopover in Sydney?

    If you're on a stopover in Sydney and looking for things to do, consider visiting Sydney Opera House, The Rocks Markets, or Theatre Royal. Sydney Opera House, The Rocks Markets and Theatre Royal are located about 9.9 km, 9.6 km, and 8.4 km, respectively from Sydney Kingsford Smith if you are interested in checking them out. Travellers in need of a car in Sydney can hire one for about $61 per day.

  • Where are the least popular stopover locations for Melbourne Airport to Cairns flights?

    The least popular stopover on flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns is Brisbane.

  • Can I find deals for flights from Melbourne to Cairns that include hotel bookings?

    Yes. In addition to deals on Melbourne to Cairns flights, Cheapflights offers holiday packages that include both flights and hotel.

  • How can I find direct flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

    After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from Melbourne to Cairns.

  • Can I find deals for business class flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.

  • What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

    Currently, March is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns (average of $166). Flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns in October is currently the most expensive (average of $233). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

See more FAQs

Travelling to a place near Cairns?

Book flights to Cairns if you plan to visit one of these locations
Trinity Beach
Mission Beach

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Fly from Melbourne to Cairns on these airlines

Choose from the following airlines for your flight from Melbourne to Cairns. Flights are based on user searches made on Cheapflights and were last updated on 27 August 2025.
Jetstar flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Virgin Australia flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Qantas Airways flights from Melbourne to Cairns

Top 3 airlines flying from Melbourne to Cairns

Discover the top 3 airlines that operate flights from Melbourne to Cairns. Compare their services, reliability, and customer satisfaction ratings to choose the airline that best suits your travel preferences and needs. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 647,157 searches. Data last updated 27 August 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
JetstarCheapest$185Average$334FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
Search Jetstar flights
Virgin AustraliaCheapest$219Average$430FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time80%
Search Virgin Australia flights
Qantas AirwaysCheapest$283Average$618FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
Search Qantas Airways flights

Fly with Cheapflights

Find the best flight deals on Cheapflights, where travellers can enjoy low prices and a wide availability of flights to their desired destinations.

How does Cheapflights help users find flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

Cheapflights goes through 900+ travel sites to look for the best flight deals for flights from Melbourne to Cairns. Too many options? Cheapflights also provides filters for things like airlines, price ranges, and number of stops to help you make a decision easily.

Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets from Melbourne to Cairns?

Millions of users choose and trust Cheapflights to book the best flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns for free. We help you search and compare prices from hundreds of airlines for the right flight just for you.

Can Cheapflights find flights from Melbourne to Cairns with no change fees?

Cheapflights does show flights with no change fees to all users. To see these options for flights from Melbourne to Cairns, users can toggle the no change fees filter when performing a flight search.

Can Cheapflights notify me if prices for flights from Melbourne to Cairns become cheaper?

Yes, Cheapflights offers price alerts on Melbourne to Cairns flights so you can book your travel at the perfect time. Price Alerts can be enabled by clicking the bell icon next to the flight deals above and providing your email address where you want to receive the alerts.

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